The history of the G-Class is rich in superlatives and milestones. With the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, the off-road classic demonstrated that the definition of unique luxury can always be taken to a new level.
Definition of unique luxury.
In 2017, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet demonstrated how the off-road icon was reinventing itself and providing yet more evidence of the potential that resides in this classic all-terrain vehicle, which has been in production since 1979.
With its superlative V12 engine, portal axles, electric fabric top, and exclusive equipment specifications in the rear compartment, this very special all-terrain vehicle – limited to 99 units – met the expectations of customers who demand the very highest standards in their vehicles. After the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and the S 650 Cabriolet, the open-top G-Class was the first off-roader from Mercedes-Maybach, produced in 2017.
Looking back, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet was surely the most exclusive form of stylish open-top motoring. The exceptional G 650 Landaulet followed the equally spectacular variants G 63 AMG 6x6 and G 500 4x4².
Setting all standards.
With a length of 5,345 millimetres, a wheelbase of 3,428 millimetres, a height of 2,235 millimetres, almost half a metre of ground clearance and ample space and comfort for four passengers, the G 650 Landaulet set all standards in its day. This extrovert G-Class thus represented a unique combination of luxurious chauffeur saloon and off-road vehicle. While the driver and front passenger were accommodated under the closed roof, the rear passengers could revel in a maximum of comfort: at the press of a button, a large folding top opened electrically to offer a view of the blue sky. The rear passengers enjoyed the majestic open-air experience from their single seats. On demand, an electrically operated glass partition separated the rear compartment from the driver’s section. In addition, the glass could be changed from transparent to opaque at the press of a button.
First-class rear seats.
Thanks to its 578 millimetre longer wheelbase, passengers in the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet enjoyed expansive freedom of movement. First-class rear seats from the S-Class offered more seating comfort and spaciousness. The active multicontour seats with ENERGIZING massage function had inflatable air chambers to provide high seating comfort and excellent lateral support. Massage programmes made for enhanced well-being – according to the principle of a relaxing hot-stone massage. To afford rear passengers the optimum in comfort, there was a large business console with thermal cup holders between the individual seats. These allowed beverages to be cooled or heated over a long period of time. The controls for opening or closing the glass partition were integrated behind the cup holders.
The luxurious and exquisite character of the Landaulet was emphasised by its high-grade designo upholstery with diamond stitching, which was two-tone in all cases and available with four trim colours. Customers could choose between three different matching colours for the fabric top as well as four designo paint finishes. Exclusive “LANDAULET” lettering was worked into the rim flanges of the ceramically polished, 22-inch, 5-twin-spoke, light-alloy wheels.
Electrically extending entry aids made for easier access to the vehicle. Other exclusive design features included front and rear underride guards, large wheel-arch flares in genuine carbon fibre, as well as, mounted on the right at the rear, the spare wheel with integral holder for the third brake light.
Ultimate in automotive power.
With the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, the off-road icon was breaking new ground: unlike previous Landaulets, which were based on prestigious saloons, this special model also had what it takes to deliver an unforgettable off-road experience. Familiar from the G 63 AMG 6x6 and G 500 4x42, the portal axles provided an ample ground clearance of 450 millimetres, allowing the open-top all-terrain vehicle to overcome even extreme obstacles in a masterly fashion. High drive comfort came courtesy of the most powerful engine available at the time, the Mercedes-AMG V12 biturbo, which delivered a maximum output of 463 kW (630 hp) with a peak torque of 1,000 newton-metres.
